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Dolph’s Nail Salon & Spa is a dream born from heartbreak

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Mary Moss was certain she was going to die. 

“I felt it deep inside, nagging. It wouldn’t let go,” said Moss, while tidying up after finishing a client’s nails at Dolph’s Nail Salon & Spa, located at 1041 Lake Village Circle in Brandon.

“I’m a 20-year respiratory therapist and I have great care for my patients. When COVID hit, I fell into a deep, deep depression. I just knew I would contract this disease and die because of it. So much so, I got all of my important papers in order. As much as I love what I do, I knew then, I needed a way out.”

Mary Moss, owner of Dolph’s Nail Salon in Brandon, Thursday, June 13, 2024. Moss named her business in honor of her nephew, who succumbed to an asthma attack. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

Moss goes about her nail salon gathering the items she’ll need for her next client. She reflects for a moment.

A sign at Dolph’s Nail Spa brings a smile to customers. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

“I talked to my husband about options. I credit him with pushing me. I went to technical college, got the training it offered and…, honestly, there was YouTube,” Moss says with a chuckle. “I’m not kidding. YouTube is your friend.” 

Mary Moss preps a clients nails for a manicure at Dolph’s Nail Spa in Brandon, Thursday, June 13, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

“So, I started doing nails in a private space my husband created for me. I scaled back my hospital hours and started doing nails for longer hours. But… COVID,” she said, shaking her head. “We were socially distancing, remember? In spite of my fear of contracting COVID and dying, I went back into the hospital. I needed the money. There were bills to pay, and I was making good money. It was hard to turn it down. I worked four, 12-hour shifts every two weeks.”

Artificial nails are applied, beginning the process of creating French nails. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
A base coat is applied that will strengthen and protect the nails. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
A variety of nail polishes and nail care products. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
French tips are created. Time for a top coat to make the nails vibrant. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
A client’s nails on one hand dry under UV light as Mary Moss, owner of Dolph’s Nail Spa in Brandon, completes the French nail manicure on the other hand, Thursday, June 13, 2024. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

“And then, we lost my nephew to an asthma attack. Justin Dolph Clark. He was 23 years old. After that, I started working less and less at the hospital, and doing more nails. My salon is named after him.”

Mary Moss named her business in honor of her nephew, who succumbed to an asthma attack. Dolph’s Nail Salon & Spa is located at 1041 Lake Village Circle, Suite D, in Brandon. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

“I have to tell you, I love it. It’s therapeutic for me. The creativity, chatting with clients, the laughter we share, is so calming. This is the best job I’ve ever had and truthfully, it’s the only job I’ve ever really loved. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a therapist and I’m good at it, too. But this is my dream job. When you love, love, love what you’re doing, you find happiness.”

Nail products in a variety of colors. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

Appointments can be made by contacting Moss by text at (601) 813-9755 or email at dolphsnailsalon.square.site. She takes appointments Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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